Preview
Groningen vs Sittard Match Preview and Prediction
Groningen vs Sittard: On Thursday, second-tier Groningen hosted Fortuna Sittard in a KNVB Beker quarterfinal at Euroborg. Last season’s finalists, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, are out, while Feyenoord face AZ Alkmaar this week, leaving the cup open in the last eight. Groningen can draw encouragement from being one of Holland’s most in-form teams in the Eerste Divisie.
The weekend loss to Dordrecht was a low point, but it was their first in 14 games. Their 23 goals are more than any other second-tier team in the past 10 games; therefore, Dick Lukkien’s side are certain to qualify for the playoffs and return to the top level.
Their league form has matched their Beker run, as they have won all three away matches, notably against Eerste Divisie leaders Willem II and top-flight Excelsior. Groningen has a good chance of reaching their third semi-final in almost four decades, but we doubt they can repeat their 2015 success.
Sittard’s last win was in 1964, and they have only advanced past the quarterfinals once in 40 years. After Groningen was demoted last season, they won both matches against their opponents. Three wins, two in the cup, have kept Sittard unblemished in their past four road games.
Sittard has won three rounds away from home, like Groningen, with Kaj Sierhuis scoring three goals in their last two cup matches. Danny Buijs’s team is vying for a Europa League playoff position after relegation fears were put to rest.
Groningen vs Sittard: Betting Analysis
After Kevin van Veen returned to Scotland late in January, Groningen will look to youthful striker Romano Postema for inspiration in attack. The striker scored in their 3-1 win against Willem II and in their stunning triumph at Excelsior.
Lukkien’s fully healthy squad might keep Rui Mendes on the bench as he waits for his first start since leaving Emmen. Deroy Duarte, Sittard’s only absentee in recent weeks, returned from the Africa Cup of Nations after Cape Verde’s elimination.
As Ivor Pandur left for Hull City, Sittard returned Michael Verrips, who joined Groningen a month before, as their number one custodian. After replacing Tijjani Noslin last month, Justin Lonwijk will start in midfield with Alen Halilovic, who scored twice against Heerenveen.
Groningen vs Sittard: Head-to-Head
Who will win the match between Groningen and Sittard?
Given their current forms, this cup match between two teams that were not expected to advance far in the competition looks to be very interesting. Though Groningen has already defeated one Eredivisie team, it will be difficult to repeat the victory, and Sittard’s stronger play may tip the scales in favour of the visitors.
Our Prediction: Both Teams to Score
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What are the top odds for the game?
Looking up the most recent odds for this match in the 90-minute outcome market, you can get 2.5 if you bet on FC Groningen, 3.62 if you bet on a draw, and 2.72 if you choose Fortuna Sittard to win. Right now, those are the most affordable prices available.
